I wrote a minimal iOS app called PocketServer (~1MB in download size) that creates persistent local HTTP/WebDAV servers which can actually run in the background.

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Features:

  • Serve a folder via WebDAV — browse/add/delete files from others devices on the same network.

  • Host a static website or directory listing, accessible locally.

  • Share files cross-platform on the same network, no app needed on the receiving side.

Why
There are already iOS apps for cross-platform file sharing, local HTTP servers, the reason I wrote PocketServer:

  • A lightweight app you can download even on slow connections (1MB is 2 minutes on 2G). Imagine not wanting to use the cloud, but still being asked to download a 50–100MB app just to share a file.

  • Background HTTP/WebDAV servers that keep running even when you switch apps.

  • Ramen for next month.